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Every day I look out over the Hauraki Gulf from my home at the end of the peninsula they call Whangaparaoa, meaning “bay of whales.” Yet, until a few days ago when I went out on the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari boat (AWADS), I had no idea of the abundance of marine mammals living so close to us.

It was mostly tourists onboard, suggesting to me that locals are missing out on a treat. Seeing this many dolphins and whales is possibly the best thing I have done in the nearly 12 years I have lived in Auckland.

⇒ Book Your Adventure today: Click here to check availability and pricing.

This is a story best told in photos:

Leaping dolpins in the Hauraki Gulf, just outside Auckland New Zealand
I love dolphins, so every sighting spoke straight to my heart. This is a common dolphin. They travel in pods, and we saw far too many to count.  Apparently, there are even more in the winter months.
Diving Birds in the Hauraki Gulf, just outside Auckland New Zealand
The experts onboard didn’t look for dolphins and whales, but rather for hundreds of birds (gannets) diving into the water, signifying a feeding frenzy and dolphins nearby. Whales look for the same and follow close behind.
A pod of dolphins in Auckland New Zealand
A pod of dolphins frolicking in the water.
Critically endangered Bryde's Whale in Auckland New Zealand
This is one of four critically threatened Bryde’s Whale we saw throughout the afternoon.
A pod of dolphins swimming with the AWADS boat in Auckland New Zealand
Watching this pod of dolphins swimming with our boat was magical.
Critically endangered Bryde's Whale in Auckland New Zealand
Another critically threatened Bryde’s Whale just after he let out a breath.

Onboard with us were several marine biologists as the AWADS is also a research vessel, which is what allows us to get so close to these mammals, yet never in their path. The photos below were provided by the general manager.

Photographing a whale from the AWADS Boat in New Zealand
Me, (in green) along with several other passengers photographing a whale. 
Photo Credit: AWADS.
On the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari Boat in New Zealand
Although there were 60 passengers (maximum is 100), the boat never felt crowded. There are two decks, both with inside and outside areas. People moved about often.  This is the front of the boat, the only area without proper seats, but a fun place to watch the action.
Photo Credit: AWADS.

As these animals are wild, every day is different.  Therefore, I was provided with some of the AWADS favourite shots to share here.

Whales Near Auckland, New Zealand
Look how close these whales are to Auckland city centre.
Breaching whale in the Huraki Gulf just ouside of Auckland, New Zealand
I would love to see a breaching whale someday.
Orca whales in the Huraki Gulf just ouside of Auckland, New Zealand
Orca whales.

Practical Information and Tips

  • Whether you are a local or visiting Auckland – the number one thing to do is to Go Out On an Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari.
  • AWADS guarantees a sighting. Dolphins are seen on over 90% of trips and whales over 70%.  If they don’t think it was “good enough” you get a voucher for a free trip. This is ideal for locals as there’s always another day.
  • If you are prone to seasickness, remember to bring or take whichever medicines you use.  On the day we went the weather was perfect; however, our first attempt out was turned back due to an unexpected change in the weather.
  • Listen to the commentary – it’s informative, interesting and funny.
  • If you are going to stand at the front when the boat is moving fast (not near animals) you will probably get wet.
  • We planned our day when there were no cruise ships in port, assuming there would be fewer passengers.
  • Don’t forget your camera, binoculars if you have them and your lunch (or you can buy food onboard).

Don’t miss these 13 adrenaline rush activities in Auckland.

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Leaping dolpins in the Hauraki Gulf, just outside Auckland New Zealand

Have you seen dolphins or whales in the wild? Have you taken an Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari adventure?


Disclaimer: We were guests of Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari boat. To aid in the writing of this page, we were also provided with several of the images above, and we have been granted permission to use their photos on this page.

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Comments

  1. I lost count of the number fo whales we saw in Clayoquot Sound, Canada last year. They were all Grey Whales. In June I’m going back to Canada and the Bay of Fundy where I believe 15 species can be found. Hope I get lucky with some photos. I can’t wait!

    Reply

  2. They didn’t have trips like that when I was living in Auckland, looks like it was an amazing trip, and you got some brilliant photos.

    I saw a couple of whales when I dived of Whangaparaoa back in 1988, and I did a whale watching tour in Maine where we saw only a couple of whales, but hundreds of huge Basking Sharks.

    I definitely think this would be a great thing to do in Auckland.

    My cousin is visiting her sister in Auckland, should be arriving about now, so will send them your post in case they haven’t done the trip before. Should be right up their alley.

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    • Honestly, this is one of the best things I have done in Auckland. That moment when the first marine mammal breaks the surface is so magical.
      BTW – You know I live in Whangaparaoa.
      Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

  8. I love dolphins, too, and your photos are amazing.
    On one of my holidays in Australia, we went to Monkey Mia WA, where wild dolphins come to the beach for feeding. Although it was packed with other tourists 😉 it was a wonderful experience.
    And it’s always exciting when they come and swim along with the boat.
    Cheers, Moni

    Reply

  9. These are such great photos and what a wonderful way to spend the day. I really like the odds of seeing dolphins and whales on this cruise. We have seen dolphins and whales in the wild while on cruise ships and on whale watching tours. It really is such a magical experience to see them in their natural habitat.

    Reply

    • Really the odds are 100%. If you don’t see any you can go again for free. It took us two tries, not because we didn’t see anything but rather because the weather turned to custard, and we turned back.

      Reply

  12. This looks like a great trip! I was lucky enough to see a lot of whales while in Hawaii this year – but I would still definitely take this trip if ever I get to New Zealand!

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  16. How exciting to get such a close-up view of dolphins and whales! Our boys went swimming with the dolphins in Aruba, but I just watched from the stands. Delightful shots, Rhonda!

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  18. What an adventure that must have been! The pictures shared here are great! I have actually seen both dolphins and whales in the ocean on whale watching tours. Have also seen dolphins swimming in the ocean close to where we used to live in the San Diego area. Amazing creatures to see!

    betty

    Reply

  19. Rhonda, when I was in NZ, we went out several times on my sisters and her husbands catch sailboat. Each time there would be dolphins that rode right by the boat the way you show them doing in this post. Such a magical time for me there, and no wonder I dream about returning. Lucky you to live there! Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com

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    • Wow, every time. I race out in the Hauraki during summer for the past five years, and we only had dolphins racing with us one time. I knew there were some out there, just not the mass quantity that seem to there.

      Reply

  20. Beautiful pictures! I have seen whales in New England. We went on a trip to see dolphins in Australia. My husband saw them but I had broken my foot and couldn’t get on deck

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  21. I’ve been to Auckland – wish I’d done this! Nearest I came to seeing dolphins was off the side of a cruise ship. But they were gone by the time I got there.

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  22. Hi Rhonda .. that is added to my list of things to do – the ‘tour’ looks amazing and what fun to be able to have research members there too – to bounce ideas off and get extra information. I too would love to see a breaching whale – incredible …

    How very fortunate you live where you do .. cheers and here’s to dolphins! Hilary

    Reply

  25. I would love to go on a Dolphin Safari. I’ve been to Sea World and zoos, but to actually see them in the ocean would be amazing.

    Thanks for sharing your pictures.

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    • I generally don’t go to places like Sea World. If I remember what I just learned from AWADS correctly, dolphins life expectancy in the wild is close to 40 years, but it’s under two years in captivity.

      Reply

  27. What an amazing experience!!! It must have been thrilling to see the dolphins and the Brydes whale. I’d love to do that someday here in US. Have a very blessed Easter!

    Reply

  29. We went whale watching when we went to British Columbia a few years ago – it was awesome, however, much murkier and colder than your adventure looks 🙂 Lovely photos.
    Tasha
    Tasha’s Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

    Reply

  30. Now these photos are lovely they are so nice to look at and watch aren’t they what a fun trip, the photo of Auckland city centre and the whales in one shot..brilliant 🙂

    Have a flippertastic day Rhonda 🙂

    Reply

  31. Hi Rhonda, you’re so lucky you don’t have to travel far to see these wonderful creatures in the wild. And it’s amazing how close some of them are to the city center. You captured some nice shots, especially the first one with the dolphin in action. I love seeing dolphins in the wild, just like penguins they are super charming. Great advice to do this trip when the cruisers are not around:)

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  32. I have seen dolphins in the wild. Every year my family goes to the coast of South Carolina in the US and we stay on Kiawah Island. I’ve seen them in the rivers there and in the rivers surrounding nearby Charleston. It is always a highlight of our trip when we spot one.

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  34. I loved looking at your photos, so beautiful. I’m amazed just how close the dolphins be to you and their speed is amazing. I’m so glad that found your blog. It’s so interesting. Have a wonderful Saturday Rhonda. See ya.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply

  38. I would love to go out on one of these safari boats, seeing the dolphins and whales would make my day. I love seeing the gannets diving into the water.
    Awesome photos!

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  39. Wow, What a Fantastic experience to see them actually swimming in the sea♡♡♡ WONDERFUL photographs!!! I’ve been to your country once, Have a wonderful Easter weekend.

    Sincerely from Japan to New Zealand, xoxo Miyako*

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    • What’s stopping you. BTW – I had to look up ichthyologist – great word, although they are all mammals – except for the hammerhead shark we saw early on.

      Reply

    • It is because New Zealand is so clean and green. The water close to shore is greenish in tint from the oxygen producing phytoplankton, which allows the animals to come much closer than they can to a city which is more polluted.

      Reply

  48. Dolphins are magical creatures. Strange when we have photographic opportunities close to home that we tend to overlook them. These photos are wonderful. Great treasures. I’d be thinking about going again in the near future.

    Reply

  49. Some very cool photos, and absolutely a great experience. It’s funny how locals always take for granted what’s right in their backyard, isn’t it? I have friends and colleagues who’ve never once driven by Niagara Falls, despite it being 10 to 15 minutes away.

    Reply

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